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Wash History
Since the creation of the Wash millions of years ago, it has undergone many hydrological, geological and biological changes with the most dramatic changes occurring over the last century. Follow the history of the Wash from the time it was an intermittent channel that carried seasonal flows from the Las Vegas Valley, to its present state as a lush wetland area that now carries as much water as a small river. You will see the effects that modern population growth and floodwaters have had on the Wash and the efforts of the Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee to restore and enhance this unique environment.
To learn more about people and the wash, visit Our History.
| 2 to 24 Million Years Ago | Geologic record indicates Wash floodplain development |
| Early 1900s | Modern settlers make Las Vegas home, resulting in increased water flows into the wash |
| 1950s | Early 1950s The first wastewater treatment facilities were built Increased water flowing in the Wash creates extensive wetland environment 1957 Flood event causes initial headcutting in the Wash channel |
| 1960s | Increased water flows in the Wash accelerate erosional processes Wetlands decline Community comes together to discuss issues |
| 1970s |
1970 Early 1970s 1973 Clark County Water Reclamation District (formerly Clark County Sanitation District) constructs new wastewater treatment plant Las Vegas Wash development advisory committee is organized to discuss wetland degradation issues 1977 - 1978 1978 1979 |
| 1980s | Early 1980s 1982 Clark County Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant constructed 1984 Temporary erosion control structure built to protect drinking water pipeline 1985 1986 Clark County establishes task force to address erosion in Wash 1988-1989 |
| 1990s |
Early 1990s 1991-1993 1993 1994 1995 1996 Friends of the Desert Wetlands Park established 1997 Lake Mead Water Quality Forum and Water Quality Citizens Advisory Committee established 1998 Emergency repairs to temporary erosion control structure 1998-1999 1999 Educational Outreach begins with Mable Hoggard Elementary School Late 1999 Temporary Demonstration grade control structure completed |
| 2000 to present | 2000 Bird Survey begins Four grade control structures have been completed 2001 Ongoing bird and vegetation monitoring 2002 Fish survey begins 2003 Seven grade control structures have been built 0.8 miles of bank stabilization have been put in place 2004 About four miles of bank protection have been implemented Eight grade control structures have been completed Bat and amphibian surveys begin Reptile and fish surveys completed Bird census completed Archaeology sites inventoried and cataloged Ongoing water quality in wash and tributaries Continued educational outreach and community outreach events The Wash experienced a strong storm event |
